Average Petroleum Engineers Salary in Austin-Round Rock-San Marcos, TX
Petroleum Engineers in the Austin-Round Rock-San Marcos, TX area command an impressive average annual salary of $198,060. This figure significantly surpasses the national average of $154,300, indicating a strong local demand and potentially higher operational costs or specialized project needs within the region that drive this elevated compensation.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $198,060 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 0.0% ↘ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $297,090.
- Outlook: The local job market for Petroleum Engineers in Austin-Round Rock-San Marcos, TX, while modest in absolute terms with a total workforce of 260, shows a notable concentration. The Location Quotient of 1.68 suggests that this area employs Petroleum Engineers at a rate 68% higher than the national average, signaling a robust demand relative to the national distribution.
Salary Overview
The average Petroleum Engineers in Austin-Round Rock-San Marcos, TX earns+28.4%above the national average.
$95.2
$3,809
$16,505
Petroleum Engineers Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data is not provided, it is reasonable to assume that Petroleum Engineer salaries in the Austin-Round Rock-San Marcos, TX area have experienced growth over the past four years, mirroring national trends of increasing compensation in specialized engineering fields, particularly those tied to energy sector dynamics and technological advancements.
Petroleum Engineers Salary Distribution in Austin-Round Rock-San Marcos, TX
Salary progression for Petroleum Engineers typically scales significantly with experience. Entry-level positions might start considerably below the average, while seasoned professionals with extensive project management and technical expertise can command salaries well into the upper percentiles, often exceeding $250,000 annually. The gap between entry-level and senior roles highlights substantial career growth opportunities.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Junior / AssociateEntry level. Focus on learning core skills & codebase. | 10% (Entry) | $109,040 | $52.4 |
| Engineer IProficient contributor. Handles tasks independently. | 25% (Junior) | $148,545 | $71.4 |
| Senior EngineerSystem design, complex problem solving, mentoring. | 50% (Median) | $184,250 | $88.6 |
| Lead / StaffTechnical strategy, architecture, cross-team impact. | 75% (Senior) | $247,575 | $119 |
| Principal / ArchitectIndustry expert. Driving technical vision & innovation. | 90% (Expert) | $297,090 | $142.8 |
Detailed Petroleum Engineers Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$198,060
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$198,060
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $198,060 in Austin-Round Rock-San Marcos, TX, aligns perfectly with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that the higher nominal salary translates directly into strong purchasing power, allowing Petroleum Engineers in this region to enjoy a lifestyle equivalent to or better than their national counterparts, without the added financial strain of a higher cost of living.
Job Market Context
260
Total Jobs
0.206
Per 1K Jobs
1.68
Location Quotient
Austin-Round Rock-San Marcos, TX has 1.7x the national concentration of Petroleum Engineers jobs — a major employment hub for this role. Job seekers will find significantly more opportunities here than in most other areas.
With a Location Quotient of 1.68, the Austin-Round Rock-San Marcos, TX metropolitan area demonstrates a clear concentration of Petroleum Engineers compared to the national average. This suggests a specialized market where demand may outstrip supply, or where specific industry needs foster a more competitive environment for skilled professionals in this field.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Petroleum Engineers
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| North Region of Texas nonmetropolitan area Petroleum Engineers Salary | $129,490↓ 35% | 53 mi |
| Northwestern Region of Texas nonmetropolitan area Petroleum Engineers Salary | $133,790↓ 32% | 53 mi |
| Coastal Plains Region of Texas nonmetropolitan area Petroleum Engineers Salary | $131,680↓ 34% | 53 mi |
Comparing salaries near Austin-Round Rock-San Marcos, TX
Hiring Petroleum Engineerss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Petroleum Engineers make in Austin-Round Rock-San Marcos, TX?
The median annual salary for a Petroleum Engineers in Austin-Round Rock-San Marcos, TX is $198,060. This typically ranges from $109,040 for entry-level positions to $297,090 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Austin-Round Rock-San Marcos, TX is 28.4% higher than the national median of $154,300.
Is Austin-Round Rock-San Marcos, TX a lucrative place for Petroleum Engineers?
Yes, it is a highly lucrative place for Petroleum Engineers.The average salary of $198,060 is substantially higher than the national average, and the cost of living is at the national average, maximizing earning potential.
Is Austin-Round Rock-San Marcos, TX a good place to live for Petroleum Engineers?
The Cost of Living Index in Austin-Round Rock-San Marcos, TX is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Austin-Round Rock-San Marcos, TX?
Some top paying nearby cities include North Region of Texas nonmetropolitan area ($129,490) and Northwestern Region of Texas nonmetropolitan area.
How does the local workforce size affect job prospects?
While the total local workforce of 260 is relatively small, the high Location Quotient of 1.68 indicates a disproportionately high concentration of Petroleum Engineers, suggesting strong demand within this specific market.
What does a Location Quotient of 1.68 mean for Petroleum Engineers?
A Location Quotient of 1.68 signifies that Petroleum Engineers are employed in the Austin-Round Rock-San Marcos, TX area at a rate 68% higher than the national average, indicating a strong presence and demand for the profession.
How does the cost of living impact the Petroleum Engineer salary in Austin?
With a Cost of Living Index of 100, the national average, the $198,060 salary offers excellent purchasing power, meaning your earnings are not significantly eroded by higher living expenses compared to the national standard.
Are there many job opportunities for Petroleum Engineers in Austin?
While the absolute number of jobs might not be vast, the high concentration (LQ of 1.68) relative to the national average suggests a specialized and potentially active market for skilled Petroleum Engineers.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 260 employees in the Austin-Round Rock-San Marcos, TX area with a job density of 0.206 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.
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Semantic Salary Analysis for Petroleum Engineers • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Austin-Round Rock-San Marcos, TX